Coronet City openers Allan Hayles and Jarrad Hodgkiss set a club record opening partnership when the pair smashed 272 runs for the first wicket on Saturday.
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It was a dominant display against Brown Hill in the Ballarat Cricket Association one-day B grade competition, Hayles making his highest ever score of 150 while for Hodgkiss, it was his maiden century.
While both men, who have been opening the batting for 18 months, were stoked with their achievement, just as special a moment was Hodgkiss’ long-awaited century.
Hodgkiss has been playing for 27 years and his 118 runs on the weekend was the first time he had made it to triple figures.
He was not sure exactly how close, but Hodgkiss knew he was approaching the milestone and when he clipped a ball away for four, it was met with cheers to confirm the memorable occasion.
“It was a pretty good feeling at the end of the day,” Hodgkiss said.
Hayles said being out there for his mates’ maiden ton was an even better feeling than his blistering 150.
“It was pretty special to be a part of that,” Hayles said.
“I’ve played a lot of cricket with Jarrad and get along with him really well, it was great to be out there for his maiden century.
“Obviously making 150 was good for me, but he’s been playing cricket for 20-odd years and to finally make one and to be out there with him was a special moment.
“I got more satisfaction out of him making his 100 than my 150.”
Hayles said he felt great from the early stages of Saturday’s innings, eventually helping the side to a 133-run victory, on the way to his sixth century.
“The ball was coming on very nicely, I managed to get a couple away early and thought ‘gee, I’m feeling alright here’.
“We just managed to keep putting the ball in the right areas...everything just went our way.
“We’ve had a couple of good partnerships, but nothing like the weekend.”
Hodgkiss echoed the thoughts of his partner, saying it was just one of those rare days where it all comes together.
“It was just one of those days.
“It’s one in a million.
“I was enjoying watching Haylesy absolutely smoking them.
“It’s the biggest opening partnership I can remember.”
Coronet City is one of five clubs sitting with two wins and two losses, currently ninth on the ladder. It faces Burrumbeet this week.